Centers for Spiritual Living course curriculum

The philosophy of education in the Centers for Spiritual Living is to present Science of Mind as an exciting, contemporary educational model through which learners fully experience the spiritual reality of their being. This model recognizes that all aspects of life are spiritual, as the curriculum infuses the intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects of contemporary living. Our educational program offers people of all ages the opportunity to realize the Presence of God as all life, to discover their inherent creative power, and to experience the Presence and Power in their daily lives.

The classes offered at Center for Spiritual Living-Ashbury Heights follow this curriculum. Select classes are also offered online at csl.org.

Certified CoursesFOUNDATIONS OF THE SCIENCE OF MINDThis class presents a new spiritual principle each week and a spiritual practice to support that principle. The Creative Process is introduced at the beginning of the class and then flows through each week, so that the student has the opportunity to see and use the Creative Process at work in each spiritual principle. Each week also features the writing of one of our elders as well as one of our contemporaries on the subject at hand. This is a revision and widely updated new version of the Foundational Course.

Beyond LimitsThis course takes the foundational principles and offers them in a new format for beginning students and those unfamiliar with Science of Mind. Topics include Oneness, Spiritual Mind Treatment, the reciprocal universe, the Creative Process, hidden beliefs, and other essential principles. It also offers new wording and ideas for presenting our basic ideas in new ways.Length of Course: 10 Weeks Certification Hours: 30

The Essential Ernest HolmesThis course is a loving tribute to Dr. Ernest Holmes and all of the wisdom he brought to our world. The course is based upon What We Believe? Each week the student has the opportunity to examine each of the ideas contained in it and uncover ways to make the power of this teaching come alive in her/his life. Each week has a meditation on Light that takes the student progressively deeper and deeper into the Light to find Inner Truth.Length of Course: 10 Weeks Certification Hours: 30

Troward CourseworkThe Edinburg Lectures (SOM 207)Based on the classic lecture series, The Edinburgh Lectures have inspired nearly every other early New Thought writer. Judge, Thomas Troward delivered these lectures in Scotland in 1904, and they have served as the touchstone for metaphysical thinking to this day. Troward's mind is logical, brilliant, and extremely precise. This class is excellent for the serious student of New Thought.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: The Edinburgh Lectures by Thomas Troward

Creative Process In The Individual (SOM 213)This class is based on the book of the same name which explains the nature of creative action, beginning with the formation of the universe and ending with a vista of infinite possibilities attainable by the individual. Troward argues from basic principles we all understand, and shows how these principles may be carried into the future. He relies on the maxim that “Principle is not bound by precedent,” and by the premise that we are not only able, but also required, by the law of our own being, to take a more active part in our personal evolution than has ever occurred in the past.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Creative Process in the Individual by Thomas Troward

From Whence We CameFrom Whence We Came is the history of ideas which converged in American culture to become what we now know as Religious Science and the larger New Thought movement. These ideas originally arose before recorded history, but were rediscovered in the 19th century by some notable people whose works are read and discussed in this course. These great luminaries of New Thought were the first to frame them in words and make them accessible to the general public. This course provides an understanding of the historical roots in America of Ernest Holmes’ philosophy. Specific emphasis is given to the works of Thomas Troward, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.Length of Course: 10 Weeks Certification Hours: 30Textbooks: The Science of Mind by Ernest HolmesEmerson’s Essays by Ralph Waldo EmersonThe Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science by Thomas TrowardScientific Christian Mental

Treatment And Meditation: Spiritual Practices For Daily LivingThis course focuses on the student developing lifetime habits of meditation and Spiritual Mind Treatment. Spiritual Mind Treatment for oneself is reviewed and strengthened, and then students advance to treating for other people. Length of Course: 10 Weeks Certification Hours: 30Textbooks: Journey of Awakening - Ram DassCan We Talk To God? - Ernest HolmesStudent Workbook in Spanish: $30.00

Power Of Your WordThis is an amazing course on the power of Spiritual Mind Treatment. Each week is a thoughtful approach to the deeper understandings of prayer: How does the nature of God and man create prayer, the impact of creative law and beliefs, what to pray for, affirmative treatment, and the state of continuous prayer. Each week has experiential exercises to give these ideas a reality for the student. Released in 2007Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Textbooks: Refer to course curriculum materials.

Building A Healing Consciousness (SOM 103)This course uses The Science of Mind to deepen the student’s basic understanding of this teaching. It logically follows the courses, SOM 101 and SOM 102. Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Textbooks: The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes

Meditation Is More Than You ThinkThis is an introductory meditation course that begins with the beginner and moves step by step through the powerful tool of meditation in many different modalities. Topics include meditation with light, mantras, sound, movement, breathing, and more. Each week is very experiential with various forms of meditation that the student can then take with them for a richer practice at home. Released in 2007Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Textbooks: An Easy Guide to Meditation by Roy Eugene Davis - CSA Press, 1978, AND one of the following:How to Meditate by Lawrence LeShan - Bantam, 1975 orJourney of Awakening by Ram Dass - Bantam, 1978

Self-Mastery: The Emergence Of The True SelfThe Self Mastery Course focuses on healing the perceived separation between personality and Spirit. Through an active exploration of the creative nature of thoughts and feelings, beliefs and emotions, the students have an opportunity to gain mastery in the art of living as conscious, intentional beings.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Textbooks: Living the Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes

Practical MysticismThis course is an exploration of mysticism, what it is and what it is not. It provides the framework for the student to live a more mystical life in present time. Each student sets a personal intention for his or her life. Emphasis is given to the practice of meditation and the practice of witnessing consciousness. This course is ideal for anyone seeking to deepen his or her own awareness of the Divine reality in daily living. Length of Course: 10 Weeks Certification Hours: 30Textbooks: The Foundations of Mysticism by Joel GoldsmithEntering the Castle: Finding the Inner Path to God andYour Soul’s Purpose by Caroline Myss

[Bible Course] Bible History & Scholarship (SOM 209)This class examines the history and the many misconceptions of the most published book of all time, with special attention to the fallacies of fundamentalist interpretation. The course looks at the most recent advances in Bible scholarship, including th`e discovery of the Nag Hammadi texts [Gnostic in origin] and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The class is an excellent background course for the New Thought student who wants to know more about the Bible.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism by John Shelby Spong

[Bible Course] Metaphysical Approach To The Bible (SOM 210)This class provides a look at the Bible as story and Bible as myth. Drawing from sources as diverse as Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Aesop, Joseph Campbell, and Jelaluddin Rumi, this course looks at the many life stories in the Bible where we play every character. Students will learn powerful and effective tools for translation and interpretation of these stories.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Revised English Bible

[Bible Course] Metaphysical Bible (SOM 211)Many students of New Thought are familiar with Rocco Errico and his translations of the Bible. This course looks at the metaphysical meanings of the parables and familiar stories you remember from childhood.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: The Bible (King James Version)Metaphysical Bible Dictionary by Charles FillmoreTen Words That Will Change Your Life by Ervin SealeLearn to Live by Ervin SealeSupplemental: The Science of Mind (1938) by Ernest Holmes

[Bible Course] Ignite Your Life With Bible WisdomJesus used short stories called parables to convey profound spiritual truths. The parables charge our spiritual journey with energy and our soul with light. During this course, students are introduced to ways to interpret stories from the Hebrew Bible, as a foundation for understanding the teachings of Jesus. Students become familiar with the power of the parable stories as inspiration for transforming the soul. Students bring the ancient parables to life, and relate them to the challenges of today’s world as they engage in discussions, role-playing, and problem-solving exercises, as well as creative arts expressions. Students may be beginners in exploring the arts as tools for contemplation and meditation.Length of Course: 10 Weeks Certification Hours: 30Textbooks: Learn to Live by Ervin SealeHoly Bible by George Lamsa or otherOptional Text: Metaphysical Dictionary by Charles Fillmore

Emerson's Essays (SOM 208)Ralph Waldo Emerson has been the most quoted, most inspirational writer in America for over a hundred years. The American voice inSelf-Reliance and The Oversoul has influenced the New Thought movement profoundly. Emerson is quoted by all the great metaphysical writers, and he was the first to break through traditional Christianity in such a way as to inspire multitudes to higher thought. Background information on Emerson's times and his fellow members of the Transcendentalist Circle is covered. They include Bronson Alcott, Margaret Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Emerson’s Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Essential Emma Curtis Hopkins (SOM 231)Emma Curtis Hopkins' course is designed to move the committed student from “zero to healer” in twelve lessons. Unveiling Your Hidden Power: THE WORKBOOK and THE TEXT include a "translated" text of her 12 lessons into modern language, along with daily practices.Unveiling Your Hidden Power: TEACHERS MANUAL also includes guidelines for setting up and facilitating a series of classes.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Unveiling Your Hidden Power: THE TEXTUnveiling Your Hidden Power: THE WORKBOOKUnveiling Your Hidden Power: TEACHERS MANUAL

Financial FreedomThe Principles of Financial Freedom is a recently updated course of metaphysical instruction that utilizes money as a tool for engaging in a program of deep inner healing. It incorporates leading edge technologies in 'whole brain' and 'whole body' learning that make these highly effective materials very user friendly. The course specifically teaches students to duplicate the nature of Spirit in their 'financial affairs' by developing new attitudes and beliefs about money that are in alignment with Principles of Spiritual Truth. At the same time, weekly healing segments assist the students in developing the awareness necessary to release self-defeating patterns of behavior based on old 'error beliefs' about their money and their lives.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Student Workbook and Instructor’s Guide are available by contacting CSL

Mind/Body Connection (SOM 201)This course is designed to give the student a greater understanding of the mind/body connection, and the important role consciousness plays in the healing process. This course is a clear, step by step process that begins with Principle, deals with the emotional issues surrounding the body, gives emphasis to effective prayer, unlearning old concepts of duality and disease, and even addresses practical considerations of the student in locating health professionals who support his/her belief system. This course is ideal for the beginner or the advanced student who desires a deeper understanding of physical healing.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24

It's All God (SOM 218)In his book, It's All God, Walter Starcke has managed to take one of metaphysics greatest truths and put it into a form and flow of words, which is easy to grasp. Starcke has done a masterful job of clarifying the necessity of finding a realistic balance between living in the Absolute and the Relative world: It’s not a matter of “one or the other”, but rather, discovering the key to doing both at the same time. His concept of the Double Thread is the key element.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: It's All God by Walter Starcke

Magic Of The Soul (SOM 219)Combining the integrative principles and techniques from spiritual psychology with the power of the Science of Mind teaching, Magic of the Soul offers a dynamic training opportunity for students. It answers questions like, “Why haven’t I completely healed, even though I have been using spiritual mind treatment for years? How do we deal with fear that comes up before and after treatments? How can we embrace our shadow while affirming our divinity?” Magic of the Soul asks students to affirm and experience their inner divinity and at the same time honor their humanness and appreciate the beauty of who they are in the here and now, on their path to higher and higher expressions of divine nature. The most common theme throughout the text is to look for the magic, the opportunity for growth, and the sacredness in every situation in life, especially the challenging ones.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Magic of the Soul by Patrick J. Harbula

Power Of Decision (SOM 202)This class is designed to empower students to reach independent decisions, which enhance the quality of their lives. Based on the powerful metaphysical classic, this course is valuable for both the new and experienced student.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: The Power of Decision by Raymond Charles Barker

Principles of Successful Living (SOM 104)This course is designed to give the student a greater understanding of his or her place in the Spiritual System, and the part that consciousness plays in demonstrating greater good. On a very practical basis, this course offers the opportunity to set an intention for concrete demonstration of good, and to study the tools for achieving this demonstration. Emphasis is given to use of the Law of Mental Equivalents, Spiritual Mind Treatment, and the qualities of living a spiritual life. Worksheets and a fun “Oneness Game” make the course interactive and personally relevant.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Textbooks: The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes

The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success (SOM 215)This course is designed to present the key concepts of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and to provide tools to assist in understanding our true nature in relationship to these laws. Each class in the course curriculum begins with viewing a section ofThe Seven Spiritual Laws of Success video showing Dr. Chopra presenting these laws to a live audience.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

Shortcut To A Miracle: How To Change Your Consciousness & Transform Your Life (SOM 226)This course presents basic Science of Mind principles in the light of modern quantum physics, with special emphasis on the Co-creative Process and Law of Belief, the Law of Expectancy and the Law of Attraction. Students learn how to develop a “miracle-making attitude” and how to use Spiritual Mind Treatment to “make miracles” of their own choosing in Health, Success, Prosperity, and Relationships. Complete with class exercises.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Shortcut to a Miracle, How to Change Your Consciousness and Transform YourLife by Michael C. Rann and Elizabeth Rann Arrott

Spiritual Economics (SOM 205)Focusing on prosperity issues, the student of this class will gain a greater understanding of the basic metaphysical principles which govern our financial well-being. Participants will learn how to use these principles effectively in everyday life. This is a sensible, solution-oriented class and is appropriate for the new or advanced student.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth

Spiritual Laws (SOM 204)This is a practical class which empowers the student to develop positive thinking skills. This classic text provides lucid explanations of exactly how spiritual laws operate in our lives. These laws are utterly reliable, and this class shows the student how to use this knowledge to benefit every area of living.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: Working with the Law by Raymond Holliwell

This Thing Called You (SOM 203)This class was created to deepen the student's understanding that he or she is an individualized expression of God. Topics of exploration include: co-creation, the power of belief, your inner authority, and how to increase your faith. This is excellent for new students and as a refresher course for more experienced student.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes

VisioningThis course is a walk through the powerful tool of Visioning. It includes the history of how visioning began in our movement with the inspiration of Dr. Michael Beckwith, offers weekly opportunities for visioning at different levels from the individual to the community to the global and explains the role of visioning in our Global Heart.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24

What The Mystics Knew (SOM 206)The primary focus of this class is on deepening the student's actual experience of the timeless and eternal nature of Spirit, using the writings of Ernest Holmes throughout Part IV of his classic book.Length of Course: 8 Weeks Certification Hours: 24Text: The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes